Helping children deal with mean comments
Dear Diane, I am an artist, so my surroundings are really important to me. I believe that beautiful things enhance our lives...
Disciplining someone else’s child
Dear Diane, How much is it okay to discipline someone else’s child? We occasionally look after a friend’s child in return for them looking after ours...
When children are caught smoking
Dear Diane, Last week, when I was out on my nightly walk, I sprang my daughter and her friend at the local park – smoking. I don’t know who was more horrified – me, or her. The crazy thing about it is that this generation knows the dangers of cigarettes. When my daughter was younger […]
When children are teased about their name
Dear Diane, This might seem trivial but it bothers me and I’m sure I’m not the only parent who has come up against it, so here goes!
Teenagers who text in certain situations
Dear Diane, My daughter is 19 and expecting her first baby. I’ve been going to some of her appointments with a midwife and at Winz, as she is on her own and on a benefit.
When children start making their own school lunch
Dear Diane, My three kids are 15, 12 and 9. This year my partner and I decided that our days of making school lunches...
Is your child gifted?
Dear Diane, How do you know if a child is “gifted” – and if they are, what should you do?
Dealing with teens going off the rails
Dear Diane, I had a baby girl when I was 18 and although the relationship didn’t work out, her father has mostly stayed involved in her life.
Children and expensive birthday parties
Dear Diane, When I was a kid we had lovely birthday parties at home with cake, a few saveloys and a crate of mixed soft drinks.
When you think your little girl is growing up too fast
Dear Diane, I’m sure you get this question all the time, but it’s something I didn’t really think about until recently. Basically, my daughter is only 11 but wants to start shaving her legs and armpits.